The design of a contemporary granny flat should take into account the occupants' wants and needs while also incorporating modern aesthetics.
Incorporating must-have features can improve the practicality, comfort, and aesthetics of your granny flat, whether you're creating it for your ageing parents, your adult children, or just as an additional living space on your property.
Features such as open floor plans and smart home technology can make a granny flat suitable for modern living. In this article, we'll go over some of the basics of designing a contemporary granny flat that can keep up with the pace of modern living.
What To Consider When Building A Granny-Flat
Granny Flat Is Not A Mansion
Despite your grand architectural plans, a granny flat is a relatively simple construction. Granny flats are not castles; they are small, compact detached dwellings. The planning process ought to have an air of subtlety about it. The limited square footage of the building should be the primary focus.
Granny flats should have the basics for daily life, but should also strike a balance between compactness and airiness. Any plans you have for a granny flat must adhere to the constraints of space and simplicity.
Think About A Minimalistic Approach
You probably already know that granny flats are typically quite small. When designing a granny flat, it's important to take a method that maximises and highlights small areas.
Using some basic principles of minimalism, you can make the space in the granny flat look much larger than it actually is. In this manner, you can improve the ambience of the area and make it more pleasant to spend time in.
Add Comfort
While there are many factors to think about, the comfort of the homeowners should be a top priority. After a hard day at the office, your granny flat should be a haven of peace and tranquilly.
Maintain an airy, uncluttered aesthetic throughout the design and construction process. Keep in mind that awkward living conditions are the result of protruding walls and excessive corners.
Include A Basic Bathroom
A bathroom is a necessity in a granny flat, but you want to maximise the use of the small space you have. When designing the bathroom for your granny flat, it's best not to go overboard. Please include a small, basic bathroom with grab bars for added safety and elegance when constructing a granny flat. A large wash basin isn't necessary and should be avoided.
Privacy
Houses and contemporary granny flats often include glass walls and windows. While these additions are appealing visually and provide a number of benefits, there are many factors to think about before deciding to put them in your granny flat.
If you want to rent out a granny flat, for instance, you should be aware that potential tenants may be put off by the large windows. Windows are a must for natural light and comfort in this space. While building a granny flat, it is important to keep things as simple as possible.
Add Smart Storage Space
One of the main reasons people are constructing granny flats adjacent to their primary residence is because of the additional storage space they provide. When building a granny flat, it's a good idea to think outside the box when it comes to storage.
In this way, you can keep your extra furniture and belongings safely out of sight while still having plenty of storage space. By keeping this in mind during the planning stage, you can create a granny flat with minimal impact on the main house.
Kitchen For Cooking
The kitchens in most granny flats are bare. The presence of a stove and other kitchen necessities will increase the number of people interested in renting your granny flat. It's worth noting that having a fully functional kitchen in the granny flat is useful even if you have no plans to rent out the space.
What To Include In Your Granny Flat Design
Living Spaces
The focus of contemporary granny flat layouts is on the living quarters. This can be easily accomplished with an open floor plan that features a combined kitchen/dining area. Combined with an outdoor space, these multipurpose rooms are perfect for entertaining no matter the season.
Summit provides over 20 different granny flat layouts, ensuring that you can find one that works with your family's specific needs and your finances.
Accessibility
An easily navigable granny flat has generous room dimensions. Think about the potential use of wheelchairs and walkers in the future and design accordingly. Remove any exterior steps leading into the apartment, as well as any interior steps, such as those in the shower recess, to reduce the risk of injury.
Low Maintenance
The simple upkeep of a granny flat allows you to concentrate on the things that matter most. Smaller houses require less maintenance than larger ones, with fewer repairs and less time spent gardening.
If you equip your granny flat with features that require little upkeep, you'll have no trouble locking it up before jetting off on vacation. Choose low-maintenance flooring, fixtures, and landscaping.
Extra Room
The most popular layout choice at Summit is a granny flat with two bedrooms and one bathroom. An extra bedroom, even if only one person is using the granny flat, is useful for hosting overnight visitors and can also be used as a study or a sewing room.
Smart Orientation
In order to make the most of the sun's light and warmth, today's designs for granny flats typically face south. Summit's design consultants can help you arrange your home so that the main living spaces are in the north and the bedrooms are in the south.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
To make the granny flat more accessible, incorporate features like wider doorways, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms with grab bars and non-slip flooring, and a single-level layout without stairs.
Yes, a modern granny flat kitchen should include functional and space-saving features such as ample counter space, high-quality appliances, efficient storage solutions, and proper lighting for task areas.
Incorporating smart home technology can enhance the convenience and comfort of a modern granny flat. Features like smart thermostats, automated lighting, voice-controlled assistants, and security systems can improve functionality and efficiency.
Natural light is essential for creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Incorporating large windows, skylights, or light tubes can maximize natural light and make the space feel more open and spacious.
Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. Good insulation helps regulate temperature, prevents heat loss or gain, and enhances energy efficiency.
How To Incorporate Luxury Design Into Your Granny Flat
Planning
Creating a well-planned layout is the first step in incorporating high-end design elements into your granny flat. Make a plan for the layout and amenities of your future granny flat as soon as the idea strikes you.
Consider the various aesthetics that appeal to you, perhaps by creating a vision board or even a Pinterest board to store reference images. Find out what other people have come up with and what you like about those ideas. One good place to look for inspiration like this is at award-winning designs to see what cutting-edge options have been adopted by successful businesses.
It's much simpler to incorporate these ideas at the outset of planning than it would be to try to add them after the fact when the structure is already flat.
Find Your Team Of Experts
Don't worry if you aren't naturally inventive or enjoy coming up with unique designs. Simply put, you need the assistance of a designer and builder to locate an item of lavish splendour that suits your tastes.
An expert and dedicated granny flat builder will be able to suggest ways to upgrade your granny flat with cutting-edge design and high-end amenities.
Choose Your Luxury
The term "luxury" can be used to describe a variety of features in a granny flat. You could get some inspiration for a one-of-a-kind look, feel, and layout for your apartment from high-end architectural plans. Alternately, you could install high-end conveniences like a wine cellar or heated floors.
You can also make your granny flat feel more upscale by upgrading the fixtures and fittings, such as the flooring, countertops, and lighting.
Find A Specialist Builder
Once you have your plans drawn up, it's time to find a skilled granny flat builder who shares your dedication to quality, your enthusiasm for innovation, and your appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship. Low-quality construction and craftsmanship are the single biggest downers to an otherwise luxurious environment.
It is essential to develop an exquisite, luxury granny flat by employing qualified, experienced builders and using high-quality materials.
Interior Design
As a final step towards luxury, you should plan for and allocate money for interior design and decoration. There's certainly nothing wrong with dressing a space with thrift store finds and repurposed materials, but remember that the final result will reflect the quality of your furnishings.
If this is not your area of expertise, you might want to hire an expert or learn as much as you can about decorating a granny flat.
Checklist For Your Granny Flat Design
Eligibility.
The first step is to check if you meet the requirements to buy or rent a granny flat. While each state has its own set of rules regarding granny flats, Victoria's are among the strictest in the country. To qualify as a Victorian, you must be in some way reliant on the current homeowners, whether that be financially, emotionally, or both. If you contact a contractor with experience in constructing granny flats, they will ask you some basic questions to ascertain whether or not you qualify.
Buying Off A Plan Or Custom Design?
Investigate a wide variety of granny flat companies and the layouts they provide. Companies can either provide a selection of premade plans that can be tweaked to suit the client's needs, or they can hire an architect or draftsperson to come up with a unique plan from scratch. Think about your goals for the granny flat and hire a contractor who has the experience to help you achieve those goals.
Think About Your Budget.
This is a key consideration that will direct how your granny flat is built. Your granny flat's design should incorporate both practical and aesthetic considerations, so you and your builder should spend time talking about these. You should be able to trust that your builder has the knowledge and tools to present you with choices that work well with your vision and your budget.
Think About The Designs That Will Suit Your Build Site.
The size, shape, and elevation of the land on which you plan to construct your granny flat are all crucial factors to consider. Your builder should visit the site early in the design process to assess the feasibility of potential designs.
Consider The Style You Want.
Which do you prefer, a traditional appearance or a modern, contemporary one? Choosing the right builder is a lot less of a hassle when you have a clear vision of the type of granny flat you want in mind.
Give Careful Thought To The Functional Side Of Design.
While most people look forwards to picking out paint colours and bathroom tiles, the more functional decisions you make for your granny flat are of critical importance. You should give some thought to the specifics of your daily life in the granny flat, such as the amount of storage space you will need, the kitchen's layout, and any specialised features (such as grab rails, ramps, and bench heights) that will enhance your time spent there.
Conclusion
Modernise a granny apartment by adding amenities like an open floor plan and smart home technologies. Subtlety and consideration for space and minimalism are essential in the planning process. A basic bathroom with grab bars may be both stylish and functional, and a minimalist approach can help make the most of a tiny space. Granny flats should prioritise seclusion, smart storage, a functional kitchen, comfortable living quarters, ease of access, and minimal upkeep.
Considering these points is crucial for making a granny apartment that won't interfere too much with the main house. In addition, you need to be resourceful when it comes to storage so that your additional furniture and things don't take up too much visual space. Last but not least, when designing for the future, it's crucial to account for the increasing prevalence of mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers. Incorporating high-end furnishings and finishes into a granny flat is the focus of this article. Some of these are adding an extra room, strategically placing windows, consulting with an architect or contractor, and selecting low-maintenance flooring, fixtures, and landscaping.
Incorporating elements of luxury design into a granny flat requires a well-thought-out layout, consideration of the many aesthetics that appeal to you, and a team of professionals to track down an item of rich splendour that meets your tastes. A wine cellar and heated floors are two examples of high-end amenities. Important steps include determining whether or not you fit the criteria to buy or rent a granny flat, locating a qualified granny flat builder, and budgeting for interior design and decoration. To be eligible, you must be dependent on the existing homeowners in some way (emotionally, monetarily, etc.) and research several granny flat firms and their plans. The primary factors to think about when creating a granny flat are the objectives, budget, designs that suit the development site, personal preferences in style, and practical decisions.
It is important for the builder to visit the site early in the design phase to evaluate the conditions there and determine which plans are most likely to succeed. The constructor must also think about the finer points of granny flat living, such as the location of appliances, the design of the kitchen, and the inclusion of any special amenities.
Content Summary
- Must-have features can improve the practicality, comfort, and aesthetics of a granny flat.
- Open floor plans and smart home technology are ideal for modern living.
- Granny flats should prioritize space efficiency and simplicity.
- Minimalistic design principles can make a small granny flat look larger and more pleasant.
- Comfort should be a top priority when designing a granny flat.
- A basic bathroom with grab bars is essential for safety and elegance.
- Consider privacy when incorporating glass walls and windows.
- Smart storage solutions maximize space in a granny flat.
- A fully functional kitchen adds value and interest to the flat.
- Living spaces with open floor plans and outdoor areas are perfect for entertaining.
- Accessibility is crucial, considering potential use of wheelchairs and walkers.
- Low maintenance is a key advantage of granny flats.
- An extra room adds versatility to the flat, useful for guests or as a study/sewing room.
- Smart orientation can optimize natural light and warmth in the living spaces.
- Planning and envisioning the granny flat's layout and amenities are essential.
- Expert designers and builders can help incorporate high-end design elements.
- "Luxury" in a granny flat can mean unique looks, high-end conveniences, or upgraded fixtures.
- Skilled and experienced builders are crucial for quality construction.
- Interior design and decoration contribute to the final luxurious result.
- Check eligibility requirements before buying or renting a granny flat.
- Consider premade plans or custom designs based on your goals.
- Budget discussions with the builder are important for practical and aesthetic considerations.
- Site characteristics should be evaluated for suitable design choices.
- Choose between traditional or modern styles for the granny flat.
- Functional aspects like storage space and kitchen layout should be carefully considered.
- Attention to detail in daily life aspects like grab rails and bench heights is important.
- A granny flat should strike a balance between compactness and airiness.
- Incorporating natural light through windows is crucial for comfort.
- Additional storage space in a granny flat is highly desired.
- A granny flat can serve multiple purposes, such as housing ageing parents or adult children, or as an additional living space on the property.
